The Naked Gun (2025) revives the classic crime-comedy franchise—this time starring Liam Neeson as Lt. Frank Drebin Jr.—and is set to premiere on August 1, 2025. Directed by Akiva Schaffer and produced by Seth MacFarlane, this reboot brings fresh antics to the beloved spoof series.
⭐ Cast & Crew
- Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr. – the deadpan, awkward detective
- Pamela Anderson as Beth – a mysterious femme fatale
- Paul Walter Hauser as Captain Ed Hocken Jr.
- CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Liza Koshy, Danny Huston, Cody Rhodes, Eddie Yu, Busta Rhymes
- Director & Writer: Akiva Schaffer (from Lonely Island)
- Screenplay: Schaffer, Dan Gregor & Doug Mand
- Producers: Seth MacFarlane, Erica Huggins
- Cinematographer: Brandon Trost
- Music: Joel McNeely
- Editor: Brian Scott Olds
📝 Plot & Storyline
Spoofing modern crime tropes, the film follows Frank Drebin Jr., son of the legendary detective, as he stumbles through a chaotic case of national importance. When a routine bank robbery escalates into a complex plot involving mind-controlled officials and political intrigue, Drebin Jr. must rely on clueless bravado and classic slapstick humor to save the day—while honoring his father’s legacy and avoiding total mayhem.
🎬 Shooting Locations & Production
- Principal Photography: May–June 2024
- Primary Location: Atlanta, Georgia (under the working title Law of Toughness)
- Post-production wrapped by May 2025, followed by teaser edits
- The production blends practical gags with modern parody, maintaining the original films’ tone
🎞️ Trailer & First Look
- Teaser (April 2025): Opens with candy-colored absurdity—Drebin Jr. posing as a schoolgirl to thwart a bank robbery.
- Tribute Elements: Includes playful nods to O.J. Simpson and the original Police Squad!, maintaining a tongue-in-cheek reverence.
- Fan Reactions: Trailer praised for embracing deadpan humor and slapstick style reminiscent of Leslie Nielsen’s iconic performances.
📅 Release Date & Details
- Theatrical Release: August 1, 2025 (wide release in the U.S.)
- Rating: PG-13 (pending final certification)
- Runtime: Approximately 105 minutes
💡 Interesting Trivia
- This reboot earned a spot among 2025’s top comedies on SSR Movies, particularly for its bold casting and nostalgic flair
- Legacy Passing: Drebin Jr. inherits his father’s floppy approach and deadpan style, but modernizes it through hybrid action-humor
- Cameo Style: Includes a cameo tribute to original characters through images and subtle Easter eggs
- Creative Team: Writer-director Akiva Schaffer comes from a sketch-comedy background—fitting for long-form spoofing
🌟 Why You Should Watch?
Bridging the gap between nostalgia and modern comedy, this reboot offers a fresh take on parody with physical gags, visual humor, and wit. Liam Neeson’s unexpected role as Drebin Jr. blends charm and cluelessness, while Schaffer’s direction revives the classic tone with updated swagger. For fans of absurd, sight-gag comedy—and a new generation ready to laugh this August—The Naked Gun promises to be a comedic blast.
